Be very careful on the underground. I have only ever been pickpocket once. What happened was I boared the train and this women was standing on the outside looking at me I asked "Am I in your way?" She did nothing, suddenly a man who got on the train with me rushed past me and jumped off the train just as the doors closed, turned out it was two people pickpocketing me.
So yeah the London Underground is a crowded tourist hotspot so just be careful there. But overall, don't let crime ruin your time in London, enjoy it.
I have never been pick pocketed in London and I have lived here for 16 years. It is more common to have your mobile phone snatched out of your hands - there are gangs who drive by on mopeds or bicycles and take them. Be sure you don't take your phone out unless you are in a safe area and not outside a tube station or alongside a road. Also take care when entering your pin number at a cash point that no one is looking over your shoulder. Don't fall for scams such as the "ring scam" where someone will pretend to find a ring on the ground and try and give it to you in return for a "reward". Keep your belongings out of sight in a zipped up bag and don't walk down dark alleyways on your own. Use licensed cabs and don't get too drunk when out and about and you'll be fine. Just to be safe, don't bring expensive cameras round your neck to tourist areas or stand looking lost with a map out as this will single you out as a tourist. Don't bring more cash than you need and make sure you keep copies of your cards and passport if you are taking these out which will make it easier to report them stolen if they go missing.
There is some pick-pocketing in London as in most major cities, but London is not as bad as some other European cities. Be vigilant and sensible - don't put thinks in your back-pockets for instance.
there was a documentary on the Roma in Europe including the UK they beg Illegally they scam they teach Children to steal at ATM's
Like this a Loan Tourist Goes to ATM takes out Money a Big Kid Pushes You and an 6 to 8 year old Takes Your Money and Runs away at the Corner the money is passed to another Kid who is Older and better dressed so Not to look suspicious
Ugly women with pretend babies beg whilst their male Partners remove your wallet
the Roma were removed from Begging at Marble Arch they are Moving Back it is Christmas
I was at Algate East Markets and 2 Roma with pretend babies showed me a Not I yelled Police and i was standing in a vacuum
the same happened to me in Berlin i shouted Politzi and there was Not a single beggar near the Brandenburg Tor
Not enormously, but it does happen usually to over trusting tourists in crowded places. Violence connected with it is rare. Just carry enough cash for the day and one card and keep your card, money and phone well hidden and zipped up at all times
Mostly in crowded tourist areas. Don't wear a back pack.
I read somewhere 97 people are picked every year or so. Best to exercise caution and wear pocketless casuals, hiding all valuables in a custom made shoe hide.
As in any city there is always the possibility - especially on crowded trains/stations. Sometimes they operate with accomplices, who distract you while doing it.
No but a few tourist fall victim
I saw this film 'Oliver' and they sang a song about it.
